10/02/2026
This is a message from Jake Coleman, the son of Teresa Debrito Wencel, ND Class of ’68…
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that my mother, Theresa Wencel, died on Thursday, September 17, concluding her long struggle with Alzheimer’s. She passed peacefully under the care of hospice and the team at her nursing facility, who supported her in her last years. Jeff Wencel and I are extremely grateful for the compassion and kindness they showed both her and us.
My mom loved her friends and her family dearly — relationships that began and grew across many different times and places. Throughout her 76 years, she felt everything deeply: the highs and the lows. She found and created so much joy with all of the people in her life. And she was grateful for all the support that everyone offered her in the moments of sorrow and pain, whether through conversation, presence, or prayers. I know she missed her friends dearly when life’s journey took her from California to Canada, to Arizona, back to California, and finally to Michigan, where her husband, Jeff, cared for her selflessly.
She loved to laugh and dance, spend time at the beach and under the sun, shop and find great deals, watch movies and TV, satisfy her monster sweet tooth, and hike those calories off on mountains and in the desert around Phoenix.
She had a caring soul and loved all animals, especially her dogs Pepper, Casey, Patches, and Mia. She fiercely treasured their steadfast presence and deeply mourned their loss.
My mom loved me even before I was born. She taught me to be kind and to love others completely and selflessly — just as she loved me. She wanted me to lead a flourishing life, no matter where it ultimately took me. I am infinitely grateful for her love, and I owe her more than I can ever express in words. I will miss her every day, and every day, I will honor her memory.”
Teresa’s friends and family are planning a Celebration of Life on Saturday, November 7th at the Notre Dame High School Commons. We will share some of Teresa’s favorite sweets, and stories about this beautiful lady.
